Artist Ryan Cronin's paintings on display at CO in Rhinebeck

Thirteen paintings by Hudson Valley artist Ryan Cronin are currently on display at CO in Rhinebeck. Engaging in a dialogue surrounding the accessibility of art, Ryan Cronin's work expands on the legacies of Robert Indiana, Philip Guston and David Hockney.

For the last four years, Ryan Cronin has operated a permanent gallery location and shop, CronArtUSA, at Water Street Market in New Paltz with his wife and business partner, Melanie Cronin. They also have had pop-up locations in Westport, Conn., and Pound Ridge, Westchester County, and his work is shown in galleries around the world.

Cronin left for a monthlong residency in September at Thread in Senegal through the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation. Melanie Cronin said Thread aims to increase understanding of rural Africa by hosting artists in Senegal for a month, where they immerse themselves in the rich local culture and then return to share their experiences with their own communities.

"They want the artists to actually experience what is happening in these communities, which are also filled with entrepreneurs, artists and changemakers. They have their own rich culture that is really overlooked. The goal is to enter that community, and if they are comfortable, become a bridge that amplifies the voice of people who live there," she said.

Special guests at upcoming mixer

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Ryan and Melanie Cronin will be special guests at CO from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, for "From Senegal to the Hudson Valley, The Thread That Binds Us" during CO's Fourth Friday at 5 Mixer. Ryan Cronin will share his experiences in Senegal as well as new artwork from his residency.

"We're thrilled to support a radical, independent Hudson Valley artist through this event and exhibition at CO," said Hélène Lesterlin, co-founder, co-owner and managing director of CO. "Periods of international immersion can be truly transformative to an artist -- as I know from experience -- and I am so curious to hear about Ryan's trip to Senegal. His paintings are such a welcome presence at CO, with their powerful iconography and vibrant palette; I wonder what he will bring back from Africa in terms of new imagery, materials and outlook."

Melanie Cronin said she was looking forward to being at CO.

"We are honestly truly flattered to be up there. I've been watching CO kind of from the start. I met Johnny LeHane (a co-founder and co-owner of CO) years ago at an event, and it's exciting to watch it unfold. I look at myself as an entrepreneur, and to be welcomed into a community of entrepreneurs is very flattering. I'm happy to be part of it, and word on the street is it's super hip."

Residency challenges both partners

Because of the rural location, Ryan Cronin's Thread residency means life off the grid – far from consistent cellphone reception or internet access. Melanie Cronin said this presents a unique challenge for both of them, since in their 27 years together, they have never gone more than four days apart, and were always in touch by phone even then. She said it will challenge her husband on multiple levels.

"As an artist, he very much is into American pop culture. It's what he's built his entire body of work around. He's going to be pushing himself both mentally, physically and in his practice as an artist in this experience," she said, adding that he first became interested in Senegal during a visit there last year with Go Doc Go, a nonprofit group CronArtUSA partners with through its fund, 12 Months of Giving.

"He was really taken in by all of the hand-painted signage and the bold colors of the country. As an artist, that really made him begin to question things. The question of 'Is that art? Who is defining it? Who gets to define it?' All of those questions," Melanie Cronin said.

"He has this mission to dive into these communities where there are strong barriers of culture and language," she said. "He brought a small suitcase of art supplies and was open to using the materials that they have there to create his work."

About CO

Located on Route 9 in Rhinebeck across from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, CO is an event venue and coworking space for individuals, startups and companies of all sizes. The building, designed by local architect Frank Mazzarella, has a sleek modern look and is optimized for productivity. CO is cooperatively owned and operated; its business model mirrors its mission to serve and bolster our community of changemakers, entrepreneurs and business owners. To learn more, visit its website or follow CO on Facebook and Instagram.